Devils Have an Easy Time Passing Flyers

Patrik Elias and Jim McKenzie scored first-period goals Friday night as the New Jersey Devils regained sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with a 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins at East Rutherford, N.J.

The Devils have 95 points, two more than the idle Philadelphia Flyers in the race for the division title. Each team has nine games remaining.

Pittsburgh extended its winless streak to 15 games (0-14-1), the second longest in team history.

The Devils dominated the Penguins in the first period, outshooting them, 20-9, while building a 2-0 lead on goals by Elias and McKenzie.

Ottawa 5, Atlanta 1 -- The Senators took advantage of the NHL’s worst defense at Atlanta. The Thrashers entered the game with 256 goals allowed, 17 more than Columbus, which has the second-worst defense.

Minnesota 3, Dallas 2 -- Wes Walz’s goal with 3:30 left in overtime at Dallas prevented the Stars from winning the Pacific Division title. Scott Young scored twice in the third period for Dallas, including the tying goal with 3:31 left in regulation.

San Jose 3, Boston 2 -- Vincent Damphousse scored with 4:33 left at San Jose as the Sharks spoiled Mike O’Connell’s debut as Bruin coach.

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Pierre Boivin, president of the Montreal Canadiens, apologized Friday for fans who booed throughout the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Thursday night’s game against the New York Islanders.